New ambulance station in Alliston triggers costly changes for
Walton lands

Posted March 5,
2014

The planning process for Walton's proposed industrial subdivision in
Alliston has turned on storm water, costing the Alberta based group an
undisclosed amount of money to buy property immediately south of its
Industrial Parkway parcels, only to dedicate back to New Tecumseth for
a storm water pond.

In May 2012, Walton received draft plan of subdivision approval to
create 12 industrial lots, one block for stormwater management, three
road widening blocks, and an internal network, on 153.9 acres of land
along the south side of Industrial Parkway east of Church Street South.
Drainage was originally to flow northerly through Honda Canada's lands,
and outlet to the Nottawasaga River.

"Based on detailed geotechnical information, it was later realized that
the ground water level was higher than originally documented on the subject lands,"
according to the Town's planning report recommending the red line
revisions to the draft plan. "As a result, there was a potential for the storm water flows from the draft plan to flood the
adjacent Honda
Canada Lands. In order to avoid the potential flooding, the applicant
proposed that a
mechanical pump system be installed to bypass the Honda Canada Lands.
The Town's
Engineering Department reviewed the proposal and did not support the
proposed
solution from a maintenance and cost perspective."

Instead, Walton was asked to explore drainage to the south. Enter
Robert and Anita Plets, who own the neighouring land. The reported
noted the Plets "were not interested in
providing an easement of approximately 3 acres for an outlet and would
only sell a
portion of their land. Further, the purchase price for the land was
substantially more than
that of an easement."

A deal was reached between Walton and the Plets, for a 22 ha (54.36
acres) parcel from a 49.52 ha (122.37 acre) which will hold the
stormwater pond. Other revisions to the draft plan include alignment of
the easterly road allowance to match Honda's entrance on the north side
of Industrial Parkway.

As for the paramedic station, the land deal closed November 28th on a
1.58 acre site just west of Simcoe Parts' warehouse at a cost,
including legal of $625,000. Its construction is pegged at $1.5 million
and expected to start in the spring.